The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially extended the contract of men's national team manager Luis de la Fuente until 2026. De La Fuente, 62, was set to see his previous deal expire this summer, but the RFEF decided to activate a renewal clause in his contract to prolong his tenure.
The new agreement ensures that De La Fuente will lead La Roja beyond the upcoming European Championship and through to the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The RFEF emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that it provides stability to the national team as they prepare for the European Championship set to kick off in June.
De La Fuente took over as head coach in December 2022, succeeding Luis Enrique after Spain's exit in the round of 16 at the World Cup. His tenure has already seen success, with Spain's Olympic team securing a silver medal at the 2022 Games in Tokyo.
Notably, De La Fuente guided Spain to victory in the UEFA Nations League last year, triumphing over Croatia in a thrilling penalty shootout. The national team has also qualified for Euro 2024, where they have been drawn into Group B alongside Italy, Croatia, and Albania.
The RFEF's decision to extend De La Fuente's contract underscores their confidence in his leadership and vision for the team. With a track record of success and a commitment to guiding Spain through major international tournaments, De La Fuente's continued presence is seen as crucial for the team's future prospects.